New guide is a big success

Are you one of the many South Dundas residents enjoying a new class thanks to reading about it in the South Dundas Recreation Guide?

Ben Macpherson, Recreation Program Coordinator for South Dundas Township, told council in a report that “the response to the Recreation Guide has been very positive. All the programs run through South Dundas Recreation have sold out.”

In fact, “new classes were created to accommodate the larger numbers.”

Macpherson told the Leader “the guide cost $5,682 after tax. This was the first guide ever done for South Dundas so it was done with all the bells and whistles. Future guides likely won’t be full colour, high gloss, from front to back.”

He explained that the opulence of this first issue was done to get people’s attention, “to inform people of what is out there for them do.”

“At this point I plan to put (the guide) out twice a year. Once for Fall/Winter and once for Spring/Summer.”

“If anyone is interested in running a program or have a program going that would fit into the guide then they can contact me directly” at 613-543-2937 or bmacpherson@southdundas.com.

“I am always open to running new programs, the more programming being offered to South Dundas, I believe makes South Dundas an even better place to live or visit.”

“It’s people in the community that I rely on to provide the instruction of the programs. We have several teachers from the area who are now running cooking classes, art classes, dance classes and basketball programs. I have professionals teaching yoga and kickboxing and boot camps.”

As for programs added for this fall, there are: art classes for kids; yoga with classes for beginner and intermediate levels; senior yoga; adult swing classes; and, boot camp classes.”

Defining his role, he said, “I am here to find the space, coordinate times and do all I can to get the word out to the community about the programs and events.”

Macpherson reported that “new courses being created are advertised mainly on the South Dundas website (www.southdundas.com) under Recreation News.”

He also posts the information on Facebook and Twitter. In addition, “any programs involving kids goes out to the schools who distribute the information to students. Fiona Carr of the Ontario Early Years Centre also helps to get information out through her centre.”

Macpherson shared: “It has been my goal to create or continue to offer programming for people of all ages.”

“When I started in my position, one of the biggest concerns expressed was that nobody knew what was happening. I think the guide addresses that concern.”

“I want people to get out and be active, whether through sports or other activities in the community.”

“The next guide I will be putting out will be for the end of February.”

Macpherson invites those with programs for the guide or those who wish to advertise with the guide, to contact him for details.

The South Dundas Recreational Guide goes out “to every household in South Dundas” and it is meant “to help promote active healthy lifestyles.”

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Forty years ago Helping Hands of Matilda was formed, and Corrie Byker was there.

Byker, pictured left, has been part of the organization since day one, and still attends the monthly meeting of the seniors group regularly.

She was among the 75 members and guests who were at the December 5 holiday luncheon, which featured a special turkey dinner catered by the Iroquois Legion Ladies, followed by an afternoon of entertainment.

Byker recalled the first time the Helping Hands met. “We started in the fall of ‘72. Mrs. Leverdink was the president and I was part of the kitchen committee that looked after the meal and refreshments.”

The group has changed over the years, but it remains today a regular place for seniors to gather and socialize. “I have always liked it,” said Byker.

“When it first started it mas more about making crafts that we sold,” said Byker, recalling that they later met and invited guest speakers to help the group learn about things they were interested in.

The group has always recognized members anniversaries and birthdays, and now enjoys a potluck meal at their monthly meetings, which take place the first Wednesday of every month.

“The potluck works really good,” says Byker.

Anyone over 50 is welcome to attend any meeting. They can join in the meal by bringing something to share with the other club members.

On March 21, Brian Porter of Brockville will again delight the Canadian Club audience with his presentation of the Brockville Infantry.

An amazing actor, this is Porter’s third time presenting to the Canadian Club. He has written a book on the Brockville Infantry Company, and will perform in full period costume.

Porter is replacing the previously booked speaker, Dave Phillips, who had to withdraw his speaking engagement.

The doors for the March 21 evening will open by 6:30 p.m. at the Legion in Morrisburg, and the Canadian Club executive will great members and visitors with a reception of juice, crackers and cheese. As well, the Legion bar will be open.

Canadian Club, president Dave Black will begin the formalities at 7 p.m. A full pork dinner will be followed by guest speaker, Brian Porter.

Charlotte Grey, one of Canada’s best known authors will speak to the club on April 18. Her topic of “Gold Diggers Striking it Rich in the Klondike” is the eighth and most recent of her best sellers. A turkey dinner will precede her presentation.

The final meeting for the Canadian Club season will be on May 16, and will bring Adrian Harwood as guest speaker.

Adrian is news anchor at CBC TV, Ottawa. He has a special interest in volunteers and the work they do in society.

This will follow a prime rib dinner – a perfect night out – all for $20.

The Canadian Club averages just over 100 members/visitors at each meeting. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Visitors can attend, simply by reserving a ticket.

Prior to each dinner, a member sells tickets on a Canadian Flag. The proceeds (approximately $150 ) go to a different local charity from each meeting.

Tickets are $20 and are available by reservation by calling Clara at 613-774-2407 or 613-447-8167 (cell).

Iroquois station fire prevention officer Trevor Riopelle, and Morrisburg’s deputy fire chief Mike Van Allen both agreed. It was a real “team effort” on the part of all the fire fighters of both stations […]